Medavie and Gov’t Amalgamating Ambulance, Extra-Mural and Tele-Care
MONCTON–As part of today’s provincial budget, Finance Minister Roger Melanson announced that the government was entering into formal discussions with Medavie and the New Brunswick Medical Society to develop an enhanced community-based, primary health care service.
In a statement released after the budget was tabled in the legislature, Medavie EMS, which provides emergency medical services in six provinces, says it has a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the New Brunswick Government to explore combining Ambulance New Brunswick, the Extra-Mural Program, and Tele-Care 811 under a single organization led by Medavie EMS.
“This is an exciting opportunity that will change the front door to primary health care across New Brunswick,” said Erik Sande, President of Medavie EMS. “We’re looking at this from the perspective of a New Brunswicker who needs care and how those services can be organized to deliver the best possible experience and health outcomes.
It’s hoped the new structure will improve the accessibility and delivery of primary health care, and to make the system easier to navigate for patients and their families.
“By fully leveraging the talented, dedicated healthcare professionals delivering service today and by coordinating resources better, we’ll also increase capacity and do more in homes and communities to support the health and wellness of New Brunswickers,” said Sande in the statement.
Over the next six months, Medavie EMS says it will work with partners and healthcare stakeholders to develop a roadmap for the reorganization of the services.